18-to-Thirtysomethings: Central American Journey (JCS)

Countries Visited: Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua
Trip Style: Information Not available
Service Level: Basic

Excellent value, amazing prices, quality experiences

Simple and clean hotels, guesthouses and hostels chosen for location and character

Affordable public and private transport for maximum cultural interaction

Plenty of optional activities tailored to your interests and budget
Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
Group Size: Max 18, avg 16.
Meals Included: 2 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Accommodations: Not Availaible

Highlights
Relax on white-sand beaches, explore the Mayan ruins of Copan and Tikal, bargain at the local markets of colourful colonial Antigua, meet some local friends at G for Good homestays in Guatemala and Nicaragua, skip the bus and gain time (and comfort!) with a flight between Roatan and Managua.

Description
Escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary in Central America. Visit six countries on this adventure and experience mighty ruins, clear Caribbean waters, rainforests, and breathtaking scenery along the way. Explore indigenous Mayan villages and meet locals for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. While youre free to choose your own adventure, your accommodation and transportation are included. Our expert CEOs will help you make the most of your time. Take a trip thats packed with all the things you need and nothing you dont - 32 days of maximum adventure at minimum cost.

Call (214) 206-4488 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13726305

Tour Operator: G Adventures

Duration: 32 Days

Escorted: Escorted - Yes

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Playa Del Carmen	Day 1 Playa del Carmen Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Additional Notes: Shuttles and buses from the CancUn airport are easy to find and reasonably priced. You can also take the public ADO bus that has departures every 30 minutes from the airport to Playa Del Carmen for approximately MX 146 ($12 USD). Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Day 2	Playa Del Carmen	Day 2 Playa del Carmen Start your holiday off with some hardcore relaxation. Enjoy a full day of free time to fill as you wish. Get your ruin on with a visit to Tulum perched atop the sea, explore the fish- and coral-filled seas around Cozumel on a scuba dive, go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, and save some energy for a night out on the town.
Day 3	Caye Caulker	Day 3 Playa del Carmen/Caye Caulker Mention Belize and you may conjure up visions of unbelievably clear blue waters, diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef and remarkable marine life. Belize also boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easygoing people. Belize is all this and much more! Included Activities: Border Crossing (Mexico - Belize) Transport: First-class bus (4.00 hour(s), 315km) Local bus (3.00-4.00 hours, 158km) Water taxi (0.75-1.00 hours, 39km)
Days 4-5	Caye Caulker	Days 4-5 Caye Caulker Opt to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving or just chill out, Belizean style.
Day 6	San Ignacio	Day 6 Caye Caulker/San Ignacio From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize's little known inland scenic beauty. With free time here, choose to explore the area by foot, canoe or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers. It is possible to do cave tubing or visit the ATM cave on this day however it would require a group decision to do this with minimum numbers. The local operator would pick them up from the water taxi terminal and take passengers directly from Belize City to do one of these activities. Transport: Water taxi (0.75-1.00 hours, 39km) Local bus (3.00 hour(s), 123km)
Day 7	San Ignacio	Day 7 San Ignacio Opt to visit the sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
Day 8	Flores	Day 8 San Ignacio/Flores Cross the border into Guatemala and you immediately notice the difference in culture, with its heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. Here we have entered Guatemala's northeast jungle PetEn region. The descendants of the Maya of ChichEn ItzA migrated to the PetEn area several centuries after the collapse of the great Mayan cities in the YucatAn. En route to Flores, stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal. Arrive in Flores, the capital of the department of PetEn, a small island located on the second largest lake of Guatemala, Lake PetEn ItzA. Included Activities: Border Crossing (Belize - Guatemala) Tikal Ruins Guided Tour Transport: Taxicab (0.25-0.50 hours, 5km) Private Vehicle (1.50-2.50 hours, 100km) Private Vehicle (1.00-1.50 hours, 65km)
Day 9	Rio Dulce	Day 9 Flores/Rio Dulce A travel day from Flores to Rio Dulce which is located in the department of Izabal, home of the largest lake in Guatemala, Lake Izabal was one of the most important water ways of the Spanish crown during colonial times. We take the road past areas of dense jungle and arrive at RIo Dulce, a small town on Lake Izabal and a port stop for boaters around the globe, on their way to/from Livingston and the Caribbean coast. Transport: Private Vehicle (4.00-5.00 hours, 210km)
Day 10	Rio Dulce	Day 10 Rio Dulce Opt to visit the coastal town of Livingston by boat, go for a swim in a natural hot waterfall, take a sunrise kayak to visit groups of noisy howler monkeys, or take a horseback ride through the rubber plantations combined with a visit to the Shaman Tower.
Day 11	Antigua	Day 11 Rio Dulce/Antigua Today is a travel day from Rio Dulce to Antigua, followed by an orientation walk once you arrive. Plan your activities for the next day and enjoy some of the nightlife this beautiful colonial city has to offer. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will take you on a brief orientation walk to help you get your bearings. While youre here, opt to take a mountain bike ride out into the countryside or explore the fascinating markets, shops and museums within the city. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Salsa Lesson Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00-7.50 hours, 315km)
Day 12	Antigua	Day 12 Antigua Relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture of this colonial town's many museums and cafes, attend a chocolate workshop, visit one of the local coffee or macadamia nut plantations, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Day 13	Panajachel	Day 13 Antigua/Panajachel Travel through the hills and fertile fields of the Guatemalan highlands to the shores of Lake AtitlAn, one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Twelve native villages, blue/grey mountains and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture. The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding. Additional Notes: Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed. Transport: Private Vehicle (2.50-3.50 hours, 80km)
Day 14	San Juan La Laguna	Day 14 Panajachel/San Juan La Laguna (1D) Embark on a boat ride across the lake before participating in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings at the lakes markets. Included Activities: Posadas Mayas Homestay Transport: Boat (0.50-0.75 hours, 25km)
Day 15	Antigua	Day 15 San Juan La Laguna/Antigua We return to Antigua to spend more time to explore the city, shop, and check out optional activities in the area. Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut and coffee plantations, biking around Antiguas surrounding hills and salsa lessons. Included Activities: Big Night Out Transport: Boat (0.50-0.75 hours, 25km) Private Vehicle (2.50-3.50 hours, 80km)
Day 16	Antigua	Day 16 Antigua Enjoy free time to relax with a massage, explore the nearby hills by bicycle, or visit a local macadamia nut farm.
Day 17	Copan	Day 17 Antigua/Copan The colonial highland town of Copan Ruinas is a charming and relaxing place, set along a river in the coffee growing region close to the Guatemalan border. The Mayan ruins of Copan are fascinating, beautiful and unique among Mayan cities. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, Copan contains some of the most important Mayan ruins found to date, and many unusual artistic features, including some of the most detailed carving in the Mayan world. Included Activities: Border Crossing (Guatemala-Honduras) Transport: Private Vehicle (8.00 hour(s), 200km)
Day 18	Copan	Day 18 Copan Free time in Copan. Opt to visit the impressive Copan ruins and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way. Knowledgable local guides can interpret the many Mayan carvings left here over 1,000 years ago. You can also choose to explore the nearby hills and small villages on horseback or journey through the countryside to some hidden jungle hot springs for a relaxing soak.
Day 19	Roatan	Day 19 Copan/Roatan Spend time on the island snorkelling, scuba diving or just relaxing on the beach. Roatan is a SCUBA diving haven with its location along part of the second largest barrier reef in the world. Roatan is a Caribbean island made famous for its marine treasures. Crystal blue waters invite swimming, diving and snorkelling, or simply relax on the white, sand beaches of the Bay Islands. Additional Notes: Prepare for the long travel day with snacks. Transport: Local bus (8.00 hour(s), 320km) Ferry (1.50-2.00 hours, 75km) Taxicab (0.50 hour(s))
Days 20-21	Roatan	Days 20-21 Roatan Free time in Roatan to enjoy optional activities. Roatan is a world-famous destination for SCUBA diving and snorkelling. The coral reef here is home to sea turtles, dolphins, rays, hundreds of species of colorful fish, corals and sponges. You can also explore the clear waters on a boat, kayak or paddleboard. Explore the island on a moped and visit traditional Garifuna settlements on the other end of the island.
Day 22	Granada	Day 22 Roatan/Granada Spend the morning in Caribbean paradise. Then skip a long bus ride and fly in style to Managua, and continue overland to Nicaragua's third largest and oldest city, Granada. Transport: Plane (4.50-6.00 hours) Private Vehicle (1.00-1.50 hours)
Day 23	Granada	Day 23 Granada Granada's colonial charm is complemented by the active volcanoes and lakes that surround it, and there are many fun easy day trips available. Hike, cruise, or just explore the city's markets and museums. Walking is probably the easiest way to see all the sights of Granada, your tour leader will give you an initial orientation walking tour of the city and then you have plenty of time to explore in more depth. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Big Night Out
Day 24	Granada	Day 24 Granada Free time to explore beautiful Granadas busy markets, colonial buildings and museums on foot or take a horse and carriage ride around town. Enjoy a meal on the "calzada", a pedestrian street that extends from the center of town down to Lake Nicaragua. There are many optional activities to do just outside of town as well. Walk in the forest at the top of Mombacho Volcano, kayak around the isletas in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.
Day 25	Isla de Ometepe	Day 25 Granada/Isla de Ometepe (1D) From the town of San Jorge, we cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island, formed from two volcanoes, one active and one dormant that rise out of the middle of the lake. The limited development and traditional communities create a welcoming relaxed atmosphere. The group will be split up amongst different local families who will host you in their homes for two nights in a small community on the island. Breakfast and dinner will be provided in the home. This experience give you a chance to see how rural Nicaraguans live. Included Activities: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay Transport: Local bus (2.00 hour(s), 75km) Local bus (0.25-0.50 hours, 5km) Ferry (1.00-1.50 hours, 10km) Private Vehicle (0.25 hour(s))
Day 26	Isla de Ometepe	Day 26 Isla de Ometepe (1B, 1D) Today is a free day in Ometepe. We get to spend more time with the local host families and see more of the island. Opt to climb either of the two volcanoes on the island, view petroglyphs left by the islands original inhabitants, walk or kayak in Charco Verde reserve, swim in clear spring water at Ojo de Agua, lay on the beach or explore the island on bicycle. Included Activities: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay
Day 27	Monteverde	Day 27 Isla de Ometepe/Monteverde (1B) At 1,400 meters above sea level, Monteverde is literally in the clouds. The Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves are home to diverse and unique flora and fauna. Sloths, monkeys, kinkajous, tapirs and large cats inhabit the area. There are more species of orchids here than anywhere else in the world. Included Activities: Border Crossing (Nicaragua - Costa Rica) Transport: Private Vehicle (0.25 hour(s)) Ferry (1.50 hour(s), 10km) Local bus (0.25 hour(s), 5km) Local bus (1.00 hour(s)) Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s), 190km)
Day 28	Monteverde	Day 28 Monteverde The day is free to choose from many optional activities. Fly hundreds of meters above the trees on a zip-lining tour, hike through one of the cloud forest reserves, ride a horse in the mountains, visit a coffee/sugar cane farm, go bungee jumping, drive an ATV on trails in the hills, tour the cheese factory or check out the orchid garden, serpentarium, or frog pond in town.
Day 29	La Fortuna	Day 29 Monteverde/La Fortuna The trip from Monteverde to La Fortuna takes us down from the cloud forest and across Costa Ricas largest lake The town of La Fortuna lies at the base of the Arenal Volcano, which dominates the landscape rising to 1670 meters high. The town has become famous as the adventure sports capital of Costa Rica. Choose your adventure! Canyoneering, white water rafting, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddlebording, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while were here. Transport: Shared van (3.50 hour(s)) Boat (0.75 hour(s)) Shared van (0.50 hour(s))
Day 30	La Fortuna	Day 30 La Fortuna Choose your adventure! Canyoneering, white water rafting, hiking, caving, rafting, horseback riding, paddlebording, kayaking, visiting a wildlife refuge, and even more activities are all possible options for you to choose from while were here.
Day 31	San Jose	Day 31 La Fortuna/San Jose Return to San Jose for our final night out. San Jose has beautiful parks, museums and theatres. Enjoy the view of the surrounding lush mountains from the downtown streets. Transport: Local bus (3.00-4.00 hours)
Day 32	San Jose	Day 32 San Jose Depart at any time. Included Activities: Departure Day

Dates/Pricing

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Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.